Over the past few years, Zimmer [ZMH] has demonstrated even higher growth than the impressive rates seen in the overall orthopaedic market, and is now set to become even stronger with the addition of Centerpulse. The company will take market leadership position in joint reconstruction and become the fifth largest player in the lucrative sector of spinal implants.

Published By Datamonitor

The settlement comes nearly fifteen months after Sulzer Medica voluntarily recalled its defective acetabular hip cup. Sulzer hopes that the $200,000 compensation each patient is due to receive will enable it to move on, and the $1 billion sum will be enough to reward all affected patients. However, rebuilding its reputation will not be easy.

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

Sulzer Medica faces a growing revolt from investors over its latest attempt to protect its US subsidiary from obligators over the withdrawal of Inter-Op shells. Sulzer needs to answer the criticisms being voiced against it and address the uncertainty surrounding the tibial baseplate recall, or it risks losing even more investor confidence.

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A year ago, few could have expected the effects of Sulzer Medica's voluntary recall would be so serious. If individual settlements are allowed, the medical devices manufacturer is likely to go bankrupt. Even if it can negotiate a settlement, it will have to pay as much as $783 million - and then face the challenge of rebuilding its reputation.<BR />

Published By Datamonitor

Published By Datamonitor

Novartis stands on the brink of launching the first innovative treatment for hypertension in over a decade, in the form of Rasilez (aliskiren), thanks to the efforts of the drug's development partner, Speedel. This vindicates the risk Speedel took back in 1998 when it set out to build a business based on big pharma cast-offs, something many believed was doomed to fail.

Published By Datamonitor

Speedel and Novartis' Rasilez, the first, orally available direct renin inhibitor, has demonstrated in a phase III trial that it is a safe addition to the current antihypertensive armamentarium. The results clearly show that the novel agent is a viable treatment option, but whether this clinical success can translate into commercial potential remains to be seen, as further hurdles await.

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The regulator's decision to break the orphan drug status of Biogen's Avonex and allow Rebif's US sale is a massive boost to Serono's growth prospects. The resulting extra revenues should allow Serono to increase its comparatively weak pipeline through in-licensing deals - and also by going on the acquisition trail.

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The addition of safinamide to Serono's late stage R&D pipeline will fill the gap left by Merck KGaA's halted Parkinson's disease (PD) product, sarizotan, when the two companies merge to form Merck-Serono Biopharmaceuticals. However, the drug is not expected to have a large impact on the PD market and thus will not be a key growth driver for the company.